NSPIRE Compliance

NSPIRE is here – get prepared with the industry’s leader in training and certification.

The National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) establishes a new approach to defining and assessing housing quality not only for REAC Inspections of HUD-assisted properties but also for other programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher and Project Based Voucher programs and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program which refers to HUD’s federal guidance in establishing physical condition standards for LIHTC properties.

The National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) establishes a new approach to defining and assessing housing quality not only for REAC Inspections of HUD-assisted properties but also for other programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher and Project Based Voucher programs and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program which refers to HUD’s federal guidance in establishing physical condition standards for LIHTC properties.

NSPIRE redefines and replaces the former UPCS and HQS guidance with the purpose of strengthening HUD’s physical condition standards and improving HUD oversight through the alignment and consolidation of the inspection regulations used to evaluate HUD housing across multiple programs.

NSPIRE Compliance is NCHM’s in-depth training program designed to educate the industry on the many aspects of NSPIRE. This course has been designed for all industry stakeholders. Whether you are a site manager, maintenance supervisor, regional property manager, property owner, or compliance monitor, this program will give you the understanding you need to ensure compliance with NSPIRE.

The course materials include each of the documents that make up the official NSPIRE regulations and will also include all of the NSPIRE Standards in one separate easy-to-navigate manual.

The goal of this course is to help you understand not only the physical condition standards but also the policies, procedures, scoring, and overall best practices that will help you successfully navigate NSPIRE in your daily work.

There is no certification test at the conclusion of the two-day, eight-hour training course, but if you successfully attend both days, you will earn an NSPIRE designation.

What you’ll learn:

• Understanding the Transition to NSPIRE

Gain insights into the major changes from UPCS/HQS to NSPIRE, and learn what remains consistent under the new standards. Understand the shift from five inspectable areas to three and the affirmative habitability requirements for each location.

• Preparation and Best Practices for NSPIRE Inspections

Learn what to expect when preparing for and undergoing an NSPIRE inspection. This includes submitting evidence of corrections for Life-Threatening and Severe conditions, understanding the timelines for correcting deficiencies, and adopting best practices for addressing urgent corrections.

• Navigating Administrative Notices and Scoring Models

Review the key points from the NSPIRE PIH/S8 and HCV/PBV Administrative Notices. Understand the HOTMA Life-Threatening List, available variations for PHAs, and HQS processes and procedures. Get familiar with the updated NSPIRE Inspection Form, Scoring Methodology, non-scored defects, and the Scoring Appeals Process.

• Proactive Maintenance Approaches

Discover what it means to have a proactive maintenance program and why preventative maintenance is crucial. Learn ways to extend your inspections beyond the required standards to ensure optimal property conditions.

• Deep Dive into NSPIRE Standards

Analyze individual NSPIRE Standards prioritized by their scoring impact and frequency of identification during NSPIRE Demonstrations. This includes standards for Life-Threatening conditions, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms, Electrical issues, Egress, Fire Safety equipment, HVAC systems, and more.

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